She instantly looks remorseful and shakes her head. “Well, I was hoping to hear about Jackson’s proposal, but I do owe you anexplanation first. I found out about them last week, and at that point, I thought it would be better not to say anything until after your visit. I’m assuming Jackson told you?”
“It was practically the first thing he said when I got here. But after today, you were probably right, because all I did was picture him and Rebecca together the entire time we were there.”
“Well, I hope that’s not all you did. Tell me about the proposal. I heard of the plan through Eli, but how did it go?”
“Oh my gosh. It was so sweet but definitely over the top. Her smile could be seen from a mile away, though, so he did well. When she said yes, the relief on Jackson’s face was hilarious. They’re really cute together.”
“I’m so happy for them. Did they set a date?”
“The end of August, so I guess I’ll be back in five months. You’re not getting out of your visit, though. I’m still counting down the days.”
“We’re coming, don’t worry.”
Suddenly, my emotions hit me once again, and I’m tearing up at the thought of Lily coming to visit. “I can’t wait.” I take a deep breath and sniffle, trying to keep from really losing it.
“I’m sorry I haven’t come sooner.” She leans over and wraps me in a hug.
“I’m sorry, this is silly. I’m constantly crying these days.” Ebony, smooshed between us, wiggles out and jumps down. “Ice cream always helps. Do you have any cookie dough?”
She pulls away with a funny look. “I thought you hated cookie dough?”
I smirk. “Right? It’s crazy, but it popped into my head one night when I was crying, and now I’m addicted. I keep three in the freezer at all times because I’ll start to panic if there’s only one.” I start laughing but stop when I notice Lily is staring at me strangely.
“What?” I prompt.
She wants to say something but hesitates.
“Are you trying to figure out how to tell me to slow down on the ice cream? Don’t worry. I’m well aware I’ve gained some weight. Eating must be a coping mechanism because I can’t seem to stop. I was hoping after a few more counseling sessions I’d be in a better place, but with yesterday’s news, I’m not sure about that. So don’t be surprised if I’m twenty pounds heavier by July.”
She’s still silent, studying me.
“Lily! Just spit it out.”
“Could you be pregnant?”
What? The? Fuck?
My body jerks back. “NO! I’m on the pill and have been forever. Geez, am I really that overweight?” I look down at my body. “Okay, so I need to cut back.”
“Cici, I’m serious.” She puts her wine down, raising an arm with a closed fist in front of her so she can lift one finger with each of her statements. “You’ve been an emotional wreck.” The first finger goes up. “You’re eating things you never used to.” The second. “Eating more frequently.” Third. “Youhavegained weight.” Fourth. She shakes her head before continuing, “And no, it’s not over the top, so don’t go there. Lastly, you’ve been complaining about being tired lately.” Her fifth and final finger goes up.
“That’s only because I’ve been sleeping so terribly and crying so much. It’s amazing how much that takes out of you.”
Both her hands flail up in exasperation. “Exactly! All signs of pregnancy.”
“Or… they’re signs of depression, which I’m working on,” I insist.
She ignores me. “Have you been with anyone since Eli? Would it be his?”
“It doesn’t matter because I’m not pregnant.”
She looks at me pointedly and crosses her arms indignantly. “Answer the question.”
I sit back and crossmyarms in a huff. “No, I haven’t been withanybody else. How could I when there’s barely a moment he’s not on my mind?”
“So you could be carrying Eli’s baby?”
“I’m. NOT. Pregnant.”
